For those that do not know me, I have been a gamer for 20 plus years, an MWAN reader and advertiser for 3 years and a wargame distributor for 4 years. Since 2 of the 6 lines I import and sell are 10mm figures, I feel I am some what qualified to comment on this relatively new scale. After reading Hal's editorial on the subject, I decided to relay my experiences with 10mm figures.

Lets start with the Pros:

Cost:

Prices start at $3.00 for 20 figures up to $7.50 with a variety of prices and quantities in between. Compared to 15's, this can be a great value. I am not convinced this holds a lot of weight because most of us (especially me) tend to fall in love with the figures and price is a secondary concern.

Size:

With a 10mm figure, your battlefield size will increase about 25%. Some manufactures claim up to a 50% increase, but do not believe it. I have studied every brand on the market and on average, if the same figure ratios are used in any rule set, your frontage will be reduced about 25%.

Painting:

I feel this is by far the strongest pro. The quality of these gems in incredible. Several 10mm manufactures rival the finest 15mm lines in detail and animation. 15 and 25mm painters are amazed how easy these figures are to paint. After you adjust your technique, the smaller the figure, the easier it becomes. Keith Sullivan, co-author of Clash, has been kind enough to provide most of my painted displays you see at conventions. His comment pretty much sums it up "I can paint 2 10mm to I 15mm. If I had it to do over again, I'd have a 10mm collection".

I told you I would be non-biased.

There are some Cons:

Popularity

This is a new scale and still in its infancy. There are only a few manufactures available and they do not have the variety of periods as do the 15 and 25mm scales. Rules sets are just now including movement and ranges into their tables. Make no mistake though, the 10's are rapidly gaining popularity. With AIM releasing the completed ECW line, Irregular Miniatures releasing Age of Marlborough and Guernsey Foundry releasing 7YW lines, there is something for everybody. I am also seeing many more 10mm games at conventions. At the last Historicon, there were eleven 10mm games scheduled!

Accessories

Currently 10mm gaming accessories are limited. Many of my customers, use 15mm buildings and flags and are quite content. Fortunately, companies like Signifer and Chariot have jumped on the bad wagon. Flags and buildings are becoming more available all the time.

Handling

Yes, I feel this could be a con. 25 and 15mm gamers are not used to handling a smaller figure. Breakage could be a problem. The detail is so fine that bayonets and swords can snap off if proper care is not maintained (of course this can apply to many delicate 15mm figures).

Summary

In summary, I feel 10mm is here to stay. As lines expand, they will attract more attention. The scale has many excellent qualities, not the least of which is when 2 opposing armies are deployed on the battlefield--WHAT A SIGHT!